Net cover, case or bag, such as a fishing net cover, case or bag and a kit including a net and net cover, case, or bag

ABSTRACT

A cover for a framed net having a handle includes a first panel and a second panel. The first and second panels are joined at a least a portion of their peripheries such that an opening is provided. The opening is sized to allow the framed net to be inserted between the first and second panels and to allow the net handle to pass through to the outside of the cover.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 16/010,391 (referred to as “the '391 application” andincorporated herein by reference), filed on Jun. 15, 2018, titled “NETCOVER, CASE OR BAG, SUCH AS A FISHING NET COVER, CASE OR BAG AND A KITINCLUDING A NET AND NET COVER, CASE, OR BAG,” and listing GregoryMechaber as the inventor, the '391 claiming benefit to the filing dateof provisional application Ser. No. 62/520,930 (referred to as “the '930provisional and incorporated herein by reference), filed on Jun. 16,2017, titled “NET COVER, CASE OR BAG, SUCH AS A FISHING NET COVER, CASEOR BAG AND A KIT INCLUDING A NET AND NET COVER, CASE, OR BAG,” andlisting Gregory Mechaber as the inventor.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The American Sportfishing Association of Alexandria, Va. reports that inthe United States, nearly 46 million licensed anglers generate over $45billion in retail sales with a $125 billion impact on the nation'seconomy creating employment for over one million people. They estimatethat at least 60 million anglers fish at some point over a five-yearperiod. Despite competition from video games and other similaractivities and increased urbanization, recreational angling remains oneof the largest outdoor recreational activities in the nation.

Fishing nets are often used to “net” a fish at the side of a boat inorder to lift the fish into the boat. Fishing nets come in differentshapes and sizes, with different netting, depending on the applicationin which they are to be used. The common parts include a head, a handleand netting. Examples of fishing net vendors include Cumings of FlintMichigan and Ranger.

The head is a planar or substantially planar, closed shape. Common headshapes include teardrop shaped (See, e.g., FIGS. 1A, 1D, 1G and 1I,squared-teardrop shaped, having one or more straight segments (See,e.g., FIGS. 1C, IF and 1H.), triangular (See, e.g., FIG. 1B), generallyoval or circular, and infinite combinations of such shapes. Note thatwhile most heads are planar, some have a slight (generally upward) bend.(See, e.g., FIG. 1E.) Most heads are convex, but this is not necessary.

A handle may be integrally formed with the head, or may be detachable.Some handles may slide into the head area for more convenient storage.(See, e.g., Figure if) The head and/or handle are generally made from astrong, lightweight, and rust resistant metal (e.g., aluminum) orplastic, though some nets are made from wood (See, e.g., FIG. 1G) orsome other fibrous organic material.

The netting is generally attached to or looped around the head. Thenetting can be made from various materials such as, for example, wovenor braided nylon. The netting is defined by a mesh. The spacing of themesh depends on the desired characteristics associated with theparticular fishing application. For example, compare the relativelyclosed mesh of FIGS. 1A and 1H with the more open mesh of FIGS. 1B-1Gand 1I. The net is generally tapered from its top to its bottom. Thetaper may be exaggerated as shown in FIG. 1C. The bottom may berelatively planar (See, e.g., FIG. 1A.), linear (See, e.g., FIG. 1H.),come to a point (See, e.g., FIG. 1B.), or free formed (See, e.g., FIGS.1C-1E, 1G, and 1I). The size, shape, and taper of the netting depend onthe desired characteristics associated with the particular fishingapplication. However, all these nets have a large, bag shaped net, whichhas inherent problems.

As should be apparent from FIGS. 1A-1I, the netting generally extendsdown from the head, and the length of this extension is typically muchgreater (e.g., at least 5 to 10 times) than the width of the head. Oneconsequence of the mesh and extension of the netting is that it canoften become snagged, caught, or tangled on pretty much anything andeverything (bolt ends, fishing hooks, part of a fishing pole, etc.) thatcan project through the mesh. This problem occurs most when the net isin transport to and from the boat in a car or truck, and during storage(e.g., in a closet, attic, basement, or shed, etc.). Untangling orun-snagging the netting is a huge source of frustration on an otherwisepleasant outing. For example, tangled or snagged netting might preventit from net from being quickly deployed when needed. As another example,tangled or snagged netting might cause another item to move in anunwanted, and potentially dangerous, way. But aside from losing theopportunity to land a trophy fish, or send an entangled item flying,tangled or snagged netting can be just plain frustrating. In addition,pulling on the net when the netting is snagged may tear and/or shortenthe life of, or otherwise damage the netting.

In view of the foregoing, it would be useful to store or stow a fishingnet in a way that would prevent the netting from becoming snagged,caught, or tangled on something else. Alternatively, or in addition, itwould be useful to store or stow a fishing net in a way that eliminatesor reduces odors, for example by allowing the netting to dry, or to trapany odors.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A cover for a framed net having a handle includes a first panel and asecond panel. The first and second panels are joined at a least aportion of their peripheries such that an opening is provided. Theopening is sized to allow the framed net to be inserted between thefirst and second panels and to allow the net handle to pass through tothe outside of the cover.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-1I illustrate framed nets having handles, which may be coveredby a cover consistent with the present description.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view showing components of an example coverconsistent with the present description.

FIGS. 3A-3M illustrate how different sizes and shapes of example coverscan accommodate framed nets of a variety of shapes and sizes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following, the terms “about” or “approximately” in the context ofa dimension means the stated dimension value, plus or minus 10 percent.For example, “about 10 inches” is intended to mean 10 inches, plus orminus 1 inch (or 9-11 inches).

Overview

As shown in the exploded view of FIG. 2, an example cover 200 consistentwith my invention includes a first panel 210A, and a second panel 210B.The panels are joined together (much like a tennis racket cover) at aleast a portion of their peripheries, for example, by stitching,adhesion, piping, etc. In some example embodiments, a minimum opening230 is provided in order to allow the net handle to pass through to theoutside of the cover 200. A mating fastener (e.g., a zipper,hook-and-loop, snaps, buttons, etc.) 220A/220B may be provided on thefirst and second panels 210 a and 210 b.

Shapes and Sizes

The panels 210 (and therefore the overall cover, case, or bag) may havedifferent sizes and shapes, but it is expected that most will begenerally oval-shaped and/or tear-dropped shaped. Referring to FIGS.3A-3M, although the cover may be custom sized and shaped to fit aparticular net or net head, it may be desired to have a universal ormore standardized size and shape used so that more than one type of netor net head can be covered. For example, a single shape and size,depicted in dashed lines, can accommodate the different nets or netheads in FIGS. 3A and 3E. As this example illustrates, the cover mayenclose just the head (See, e.g., FIG. 3A.), or the entire net,including its handle (See, e.g., FIG. 3E.). As another example, a singleshape and size, depicted in short dashed lines, may be used to cover thedifferent nets or net heads in FIGS. 3B-3D and 3F-3M. As was the casewith the earlier example, these covers may enclose just the head (See,e.g., FIGS. 3B-3D and 3F-3K.), or the entire net, including its handle(e.g., in the closed position of a telescoping handles) (See, e.g.,FIGS. 3L and 3M.). Table I below provides the sizes of fishing nets ininches.

TABLE I Manufacturer Make Model Hoop Size Shape Bass Pro Shops Trout Net8141/BL 11 × 15 tear drop oval Bass Pro Shops Shadow Tech NetST-19-17-36 17 × 19 Tear drop oval Bass Pro Shops Gold Series FoldingGSF19-24 18 × 18 triangle Bass Pro Shops XPS Conservation Net XSP19-18-30 18 × 19 Oval Bass Pro Shops Gold Series Fixed Handle GS 2022 20× 22 oval Bass Pro Shops Gold Series Telescoping GS 2022T 20 × 22 ovalHandle Bass Pro Shops Gold Series Telescoping GS 2022T 22 × 26 ovalHandle Bass Pro Shops XPS Conservation Net XSP 19-18-30 22 × 26 OvalBass Pro Shops Gold Series Folding GSF19-24 26 × 25 triangle Bass ProShops XPS Big Game Net 65-S-XL-SH 32 × 36 tear drop oval Bass Pro ShopsCat Fish Net CF29B 32 × 36 tear drop oval BLISSWILL Fly Fishing Net 10.2× 22  Oval BLISSWILL Fly Fishing Net 11.8 × 17.7 Oval BlISSWILL FoldingCollapsable net 16 × 16 triangle BlISSWILL Folding Collapsable net 20 ×20 triangle BLISSWILL Collapsable 22 × 22 × 24 tear drop square Dot LineShad Smelt Shrimp 2487 16 × 16 tear drop square Dot Line Shad SmeltShrimp 2488 16 × 16 tear drop square Dot Line Aluminum Hoop and HandleNet 18 × 20 round Dot Line Trout Net 2905/B  8 × 13 tear drop square EdCumings Fish Saver Landing Net B-135 14 × 11 tear drop square Ed CumingsFish Saver Landing Net 14 × 11 tear drop square Ed Cumings Black DeluxeStyle Boat Net B-DS-1-SAW 14 × 18 tear drop oval Ed Cumings Black DeluxeStyle Boat Net B-DS-2-SAW 18 × 22 tear drop oval Ed Cumings NightStriker Black Boat Net NS-R-B-DS-2-S.A.W 18 × 22 tear oval Ed CumingsSalmon and Steelhead HDW-Wading 19.25 × 23   tear bent Ed Cumings Salmonand Steelhead Bow 1038 19.25 × 23   tear drop square Ed Cumings Salmonand Steelhead Bow 1039 19.25 × 23   tear drop square Ed Cumings Salmonand Steelhead CR-HDW 19.25 × 23   tear bent Ed Cumings Salmon andSteelhead Bow R-HDW 19.25 × 23   bent tear Ed Cumings Long Hurdle ShrimpNet 198-C-SC-18-P  20.5 × 21.25 bent round Ed Cumings Salmon andSteelhead HDB-Boat 21.5 × 25  bent tear Ed Cumings Black Deluxe StyleBoat Net B-DS-3-SAW 21.5 × 26  tear drop oval Ed Cumings Salmon andSteelhead Bow 1040 21.5 × 27  tear square Ed Cumings Night StrikerWalleye Snook NS-B-1040-4 21.5 × 27  tear oval Ed Cumings Night StrikerStriper NS-STRIPE-2 21.5 × 27  tear oval Ed Cumings Salmon and Steelhead1044 26.5 × 30.5 tear drop square Ed Cumings Heavy Duty SalmonHF-0CT-48-8-2PC  30.5 × 30.25 tear drop oval CatFish Striper Net EdCumings Salmon and Steelhead 1048  30.5 × 31.25 tear drop square EdCumings Night Striker Catfish muskie NS-BC-1  30.5 × 31.25 tear oval EgoKryptek S1 Genesis - 75260 17 × 19 pear medium nylon Ego Kryptek S1Genesis - 75261 17 × 19 pear medium rubber net Ego Wade Kryptek - medium75262 17 × 19 pear nylon net Ego Wade Kryptek - medium 75265 17 × 19pear rubber coated nylon net Ego Wade Kryptek - medium 75266 17 × 19pear rubber net Ego Kryptek S1 Genesis - 75267 17 × 19 pear medium clearrubber Ego Wade Kryptek - medium 75268 17 × 19 pear clear rubber net EgoKryptek S1 Genesis - 75363 17 × 19 pear medium pvc coated net EgoKryptek S1 Genesis - large 75150 19 × 21 pear nylon net Ego Kryptek S1Genesis large 75151 19 × 21 pear rubber net Ego Wade Kryptek - large75155 19 × 21 pear rubber coated nylon net Ego Kryptek S1 Genesis -large 75157 19 × 21 pear clear rubber net Ego Kryptek S1 Genesis - large75351 19 × 21 pear deep rubber net Ego Kryptek S1 Genesis - large 7535319 × 21 pear pvc coated net Ego Kryptek S1 Genesis - 75370 14 × 16 pearsmall nylon net Ego Reach - rubber net 71002 14 × 18 Rectangle Ego S2Slider medium 17 × 19 pear Ego S2 Slider large 19 × 21 pear Ego S2Slider large 22 × 23 pear Ego S2 Slider X-Large 24 × 27 pear Ego BigGame - X Large Nylon Net 71000 24 × 29 pear Ego Big Game - X LargeRubber 71003 24 × 29 pear Coated Nylon Net Ego Big Game - X Large RubberNet 71006 24 × 29 pear Ego Big Game - XX Large Nylon Net 71007 27 × 33pear Ego Big Game - XX Large Nylon Net 71009 27 × 33 pear Ego Big Game -XXX Large Nylon Net 71008 30 × 36 pear Ego Reach - pvc coated net 71001Rectangle FANSYUEROAD Folding Telescopic 50 cm triangle Fiblink FoldingAluminum Fishing 16 × 18 triangle Landing Net Fiblink Folding AluminumFishing 18 × 23 triangle Landing Net Fishpond Nomad Fly CarbonFiberglass 18 × 13 tear drop oval composit mid - net Fishpond Nomad FlyFishing Net tear drop oval Forever Last Forever Last Net G2 Pro Net 15 ×19 round Frabil Power Stow Net 8501 14 × 18 rectangle Frabil Kwik StowFoldig Trout Net 3607 18 × 16 diamond Frabil Sportsman 3443 20 × 23 OvalFrabil Tru Trax Net 3813 20 × 23 round Frabil Conservation Flat Bottom9510 20 × 23 tear drop oval Frabil Power Stow Net 3706 20 × 24 rectangleFrabil Hiber Net Stowable 3600 22 × 22 × 24 triangle Frabil ConservationFlat Bottom 9501 23 × 26 GOTURE Fishing Landing Net 16 × 19 triangleGOTURE Fishing Landing Net 20 × 23 triangle GOTURE Fishing Landing Net23 × 24 triangle Lureshine Collapsible Carbon Fiber 15.3 × 16  2 headsround & Landing Net Triangle Madbite Catch and Release 16 × 16 triangleMadbite Catch and Release 20 × 20 triangle Madbite Catch and Release 24× 24 triangle PAMASE Fish Landing Net 14.6 × 16.2 diamond PlusinnoCollapsible Telescoping Net 12 triangle Plusinno Collapsible TelescopingNet 16 triangle Ranger Blue Butterfly 12 oval Ranger Green Creature, andBait 11 × 9  square Ranger Folding Net FN 15 × 15 triangle Ranger RulerTelescopic Net 458RR 20 × 22 tear drop oval Ranger Ruler Telescopic Net491RR 25 × 25 tear drop oval Ranger Big Game Series 980 tear Ranger RedBait and Shell 8 × 6 square Ranger Tournament Series 458 TS 20 × 20 tearRanger Tournament Series 9788 FB, 9788 TFB 25 × 25 tear RangerTournament Series 9855 FB, 9855 TFB 34 × 30 tear Ranger TournamentSeries 9800 FB, 9800 TFB 28 × 30 tear ranger Standard Landing net 325 24× 21 tear Ranger Standard Landing net 332 15 × 13 tear Ranger StandardLanding net 334 15 × 13 tear Ranger Standard Landing net 335 16 × 16round Ranger Standard Landing net 337 20 × 16 pear Ranger StandardLanding net 340 17 × 15 pear Ranger Standard Landing net 341 16 × 16round Ranger Standard Landing net 342 16 × 16 round Ranger StandardLanding net 343 16 × 18 tear Ranger Standard Landing net 344 19 × 19pear Ranger Standard Landing net 349 18 × 18 round Ranger StandardLanding net 350, 350T 22 × 20 pear Ranger Standard Landing net 351H,351HT 25 × 25 pear Ranger Standard Landing net 354 16 × 16 round RangerStandard Landing net 356 19 × 19 pear Ranger Standard Landing net 357 21× 21 round Ranger Standard Landing net 362 19 × 19 pear Ranger StandardLanding net 366 16 × 16 round SAIMANQIU Collapsible Telescoping Net teardrop oval SAMSFX Aluminu Landing Net - Fly  12 × 15.5 tear drop ovalfishing trout SANLIKE Fish saver Landing Net 19 round SF Fly Fishing NetMesh Trout Net Catch and Net  9.4 × 15.9 Square - round - tear VPROZRetractable Fishing Net - 14 round Telescoping Wakeman Classic Landing80-FSH5024 20 × 19 round Wakeman Collapsible & Folding 80-FSH5024 23 ×31 tear drop oval

Different implementations of the cover may be provided to coverdifferent ones (or different combinations) of the fishing nets in TableI.

The shape of the cover may be an oval with two axes of symmetry, an ovalwith one axis of symmetry (e.g., egg or teardrop shaped), or some othershape for accommodating one or more head sizes and shapes.

Opening Locations and Sizes

An opening (which may be closed with a zipper, etc.) between the twopanels 210 permits the net or net head to be inserted into the cover orremoved from the cover. For example, if the cover is an oval, theopening may extend from one intersection to another, with the perimeterof the oval. (See, e.g., positions 310 a and 310 b in FIG. 3B.) Forexample, the opening may be offset to one side (as shown by 220 of FIG.2). Preferably, the opening should permit the net head (or even theentire net) to be easily inserted into and withdrawn from the cover.Although the opening was described as being closable, this is notnecessary. However, closing the opening minimizes the risk of a portionof the netting exiting from the cover.

Note that although the example (exploded view) cover of FIG. 2 is shownas having a minimum opening 230, it is not necessary to have such anopening 230, especially if the entire net, including the net handle, isto be accommodated within the cover 200. (See, e.g., FIGS. 3E, 3L and3M.)

Materials

The cover panels 210 may be made from a fabric, such as Magnatuff UltraNylon available from Top Value Fabrics of Washington state. If a fabricis used, it may be durable to use a hydrophobic material, to prevent theabsorption of water. That is, the fabric may be water resistant. It maybe desirable to use an antimicrobial and/or anti-mold fabric or materialto reduce odors and to reduce or eliminate the growth of undesiredorganisms. The interior of the panels may be lined with material that ismore water resistant, mold resistant, antimicrobial, and/or slipperythan the panels (and the panels' exterior). For example, BioCoteantimicrobial coating (from BioCote of Coventry, United Kingdom) may beused. As another example, Riviera Marine Fabric (from Herculite ofEmigsville, Pa.) may be used.

It may be desired to use orange and/or reflective material for (at leasta portion of at least the exterior) of the panels 210. In such anembodiment, the cover (with or without the net) could be used forsignaling, such as emergency signaling.

It may be desired to have the cover to remain buoyant (for at least aminimum predetermined period of time) so that it can be retrieved ifaccidentally dropped into (fresh or salt) water.

Note that if piping is used along the periphery of the cover, this mayadvantageously allow the cover to maintain its shape, which should makeinserting the net or net head easier.

In some embodiments, it may be desirable to produce the panels 210 (orat least their exterior surfaces) from a material suitable for silkscreening, dye sublimation, embroidery, heat transfer decals, etc.

Fasteners

A zipper was described for closing at least a part of the openingbetween the two panels. If a zipper is used, it may be desired to use acorrosion resistant material, such as plastic, nylon, or some othermarine grade material. Alternatively or in addition, snaps (metal orplastic), buttons, or hook and loop material (e.g., Velcro) may be usedfor closing at least a part of the opening.

Improvements

The cover may be provided with a loop (e.g., a fabric loop) 240 topermit the cover, with or without the net, to be hung from a mountingprojection such as a peg on the wall of a boat, closet, shed, etc.Although it might be desired to locate the loop 240 opposite the minimumopening 230 as shown in FIG. 2, it may be located elsewhere. Such a loopmay also be useful for hanging the cover (with or without a net) at aretail store. This may allow more nets (with covers) to be sold within agiven amount of retail space.

The inside surface or one or both panels may be provided with a (e.g.,perforated or tight mesh) pocket for holding removable carbon (e.g., insolid form, granular form in a bag, impregnated on a sheet or some otherfabric, etc.). If a carbon-impregnated sheet is used, it can be heldwithin the cover in a number of different ways (e.g., clipped, hookedand looped, sandwiched, etc.). Such removable carbon may be used toreduce or eliminate odors.

In some embodiments, the material for the panels may be chosen (and thepanels may be appropriately sized) so that a net covered with the covermay be used as an emergency paddle. (See especially FIG. 3A.) Althoughthe panels were described as being made from fabric, one of both of thepanels may be made from a more rigid material, such as rigid (e.g.,molded) plastic. If one or both of the panels is made from a rigidmaterial, it may be provided with means (for attaching it to an externalsurface (e.g. marine grade Velcro hook and loop adhesive backedpatches).

Kit

Although my invention is mainly directed to the foregoing covers, oneembodiment of my invention is a kit including both a fishing net and acover. The kit may include an attachment system allowing the cover orcase to be mounted on a surface (e.g., the gunwale of a boat, centerconsole of a boat, a closet wall, etc.).

Alternatives to Fishing Nets

Although my invention was described in the context of fishing nets, itcan be used for covering netting in other contexts (e g, animalhandling, animal rescue, pest control, etc.).

What is claimed is:
 1. A cover for a framed net having a handle, thecover comprising: a) a first panel; and b) a second panel, wherein thefirst and second panels are joined at at least a portion of theirperipheries such that an opening is provided, the opening being sized toallow the framed net to be inserted between the first and second panelsand to allow the net handle to pass through to the outside of the cover,and wherein the first and second panels define an interior regionwhereby each of the first and second panels has a defined interiorsurface and a defined exterior surface, and wherein the defined interiorsurface of each of the first and second panels is lined with materialthat is more water resistant, mold resistant, antimicrobial, or slipperythan the defined exterior surface of each of the first and secondpanels.
 2. The cover of claim 1 further comprising: c) a mating fastenerprovided on the first and second panels, wherein the mating fastenerallows at least a portion of the opening can be closed.
 3. The cover ofclaim 2 wherein the mating fastener is selected from a group consistingof a zipper, hook-and-loop material, paired snaps, and buttons withmated button-holes.
 4. The cover of claim 1 wherein each of the firstand second panels is oval-shaped.
 5. The cover of claim 1 wherein eachof the first and second panels is tear-dropped shaped.
 6. The cover ofclaim 1 wherein each of the first and second panels are shaped as anoval with one axis of symmetry.
 7. The cover of claim 1 wherein theopening is offset to one side of the first and second panels.
 8. Thecover of claim 1 wherein each of the first and second panels is madefrom fabric.
 9. The cover of claim 8 wherein the fabric is made from ahydrophobic material.
 10. The cover of claim 8 wherein the fabric isantimicrobial.
 11. The cover of claim 8 wherein the fabric is anti-moldfabric.
 12. The cover of claim 1 further comprising: c) piping providedalong the periphery of the cover, the piping being sufficiently stiffsuch that the first and second panels maintain a substantially flatshape.
 13. The cover of claim 1 further comprising: c) a loop configuredto permit the cover, with or without the framed net, to be hung from amounting projection, wherein the loop is located opposite a minimumopening through which the handle of the framed net can project and islocated at a portion of the cover at which the first and second panelsare joined by at least one of (A) stitching, (B) adhesion, and (C)piping.
 14. The cover of claim 1 wherein each of the first and secondpanels is made from a rigid plastic.
 15. The cover of claim 1 whereinthe defined interior surface of each of the first and second panels islined with material that is more mold resistant than the definedexterior surface of each of the first and second panels.
 16. The coverof claim 1 wherein the defined interior surface of each of the first andsecond panels is lined with material that is more antimicrobial than thedefined exterior surface of each of the first and second panels.
 17. Acover for a framed net having a handle, the cover comprising: a) a firstpanel; and b) a second panel, wherein the first and second panels arejoined at at least a portion of their peripheries such that an openingis provided, the opening being sized to allow the framed net to beinserted between the first and second panels and to allow the net handleto pass through to the outside of the cover, and wherein the first andsecond panels define an interior region whereby each of the first andsecond panels has a defined interior surface and a defined exteriorsurface, and wherein at least a portion of the defined exterior surfaceof at least one of the first and second panels is provided with areflective material.